Headaches are one of the most common reasons people see their primary care physician, and they account for 20 percent of outpatient visits to neurologists.
According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 45 million Americans suffer from chronic or recurring headaches.
Many can include migraine, tension-type, cluster and others. Some are due to  TMJ (jaw) joint disorders and cervicogenic headaches, which are attributed to disorders of the neck.  Headaches are often caused by a combination of factors including musculoskeletal, psychological and neurovascular issues as well as chemical imbalances in the brain. Thus, a thorough medical evaluation is necessary with any onset of a new or ongoing headache.  Dysfunction to the joints and discs of the upper cervical spine is another cause often seen in patients with headaches.

Allergies and magnesium deficiencies  can also lead to headaches.  Stress can be another cause of headaches.
Headaches can be  treated by various clinicians including nutritionists, dentists, massage therapists and physical therapists.
Physical therapy offers a wide range of options for patients who wish to treat their headaches without medicine.
Correcting postural dysfunctions can be done through postural education which includes instruction in proper work station set-up, sleeping positions or proper body mechanics for every day activities.
Postural retraining generally consists of developing a program focused on stretching shortened muscles, while strengthening weak muscles.
Physical therapists can also improve the mobility of the upper cervical spine and jaw through numerous hands-on techniques which can result in reducing the occurrence of headaches.
Nutritional counselors and nutritionists can help a headache sufferer determine if his headaches are due to a nutrition- related problem. A good idea is to keep a food journal and note times of headaches as well. Headaches can occur when an allergen is consumed up o 48 hours before the headaches begins.  Foods that can trigger headaches include nuts, chocolate,  onions, caffeine, artificial sweeteners  and alcohol.  Food allergy testing is a good option as well.

Tension headaches can be caused by abnormal reaction to stress. Yoga and meditation are stress fighters.

 

Pure Encapsulations’  offers headache sufferers various magnesium supplements to cope with a possible magnesium deficiency.  (Those with a magnesium deficiency can also suffer from body muscle tightness and spasms.)    Pure Encapsulations  also offer products like their Daily Stress Formula and  Cortisol Calm to reduce stress. Order them online at HeleneKaplanHealth.com

***These products are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.